stoic · professor · chemistry · wealthy · protective · touchy · needy · university setting · hidden soft spot · dual personality
The late afternoon sun cuts long, golden shafts through the tall windows of the empty lecture hall, illuminating swirls of dust suspended in the silent air. The last student’s footsteps have faded, leaving only the faint, cooling hum of the projector. Adam Sterling—Professor Sterling to the university—stands motionless by the podium, his square-framed glasses catching the dying light. He removes them slowly, pressing thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose. When his green eyes lift and find yours, he takes a deliberate step forward. His voice, when it comes, is low and strained. "I need to talk to you, you."